[PbP Gameday VII] GM Greenclaw's 6-05: Slave Ships of Absalom [1-5] (Inactive)

Game Master Greenclaw

The metropolis of Absalom promotes commerce in its many forms, and although slavery is legal, it is increasingly common for citizens to frown on the institution. The practice becomes more questionable when an ally of the Pathfinder Society traces an attempt at supernatural surveillance through a slave. Sent as independent sleuths, the PCs must track down the source of this espionage, which takes them deep into underbelly of one of Absalom’s darkest industries.

Content in “Slave Ships of Absalom” also contributes directly to the ongoing storylines of the Liberty’s Edge and Sovereign Court factions.

Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin sends word for you all to meet him first thing this morning in his office in Skyreach, located on the grounds of the Grand Lodge in Absalom’s Foreign Quarter.

Seated behind a large, antique desk in his wood-paneled office, the Venture-Captain looks up from the pile of papers before him and shuffles them to one side. “Perfect timing! Welcome Pathfinders!

“I had an interesting conversation with the Master of Spells Aram Zey yesterday. An old friend—Lady Darchana, Archdean of the Arcanamirium here in Absalom—contacted Master Zey. She’s a councilmember on the Low Council, too. It seems her dinner party last week had an unexpected guest: a handmaiden of her fancy guest’s had picked up a scrying sensor somewhere. When Lady Darchana learned that someone was attempting to eavesdrop on her party, she used her magic to trace the sensor back to its source. It sounds as though she didn’t learn anything conclusive, and she’s interested in bringing in an independent party to try and learn more. Master Zey agrees.

“Make no mistake, this is an excellent opportunity for you to impress a well-connected friend of the Society. Lady Darchana requested that the Pathfinders call upon her at her estate in the Petal District once they learn something of the origins of this servant. The owner of the handmaiden is named Lady Silviana Dimora. Lady Silviana isn’t a councilmember or the like—at least not yet. From what I understand, though, she is an up-and-comer who is rubbing elbows with all of the right people, and she likely has little knowledge of where the slave was purchased. I recommend speaking to her majordomo Milana about the handmaiden, or you can pay a visit to her solicitor, a Chelish fellow named Salbus over in the Coins. Questions?”

A snort erupts from the back of the room.
"... this Salbus fellow, does he deal in the Flesh Tax?"
The sneer voice squeaks out the side of a tall Taldan man's mouth through missing teeth. "Because I've no right use for slavers, 'side from maybe bein' a punchin' bag." He looks around the room, and a yellowed corncob grin covers the man's face. "Corb Cromwell's the name. "The Crab", back in me boxing days," he says, then kisses a gnarled club of a hand that looks swollen to twice the normal size. "Well, still am, I suppose."

Esper is an exotic looking woman dressed in fine scholar's robes and elaborate scarves. Though her skin tone is quite pale, her features and attire clearly mark her as Kelishite. Her elaborate feathered earrings sway as she looks around, taking in her surroundings and companions with golden eyes.

At the sight of Venture-Captain Valsin, she inclines her head respectfully. "An honour to see you again, sir."

At his query, Esper smiles. "Yes, sir. How long has the handmaiden been in the service of Lady Silviana?"

Knowledge Nobility: Lady Silviana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Knowledge Local: Salbus the Solicitor: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

As the gruff fellow introduces himself, Esper turns to him with an amused smile. ""I am Esper Zevral. It is a pleasure to meet you." she gives Crab a nod of her head. "I regret to inform you that you will have to restrain yourself from harming Salbus. Assaulting a lawyer when we need his aid is going to land you in the stocks at best. Words will have to be your weapon for now."

A Garundi man, standing just under 6' tall chimes in:

"I agree with our pugilist friend here: that slaver will get no mercy from me, as well. I'm honestly not that crazy about anybody purchasing slaves, either. But, I will stay my sword hand on behalf of the Society if asked to, since I do owe my freedom to them."

The Garundi man turns to address the room. He has two swords sheathed at his sides and a thick leather gauntlet on one arm.

"The name's Dahrani. I owe my freedom to the Society after the attack on Absalom last year. Couldn't really find my place here in Absalom and had nothing to go back to in Qadira. Figured the Society seemed to be a good organization with a just cause, so I enlisted. Oh, and you'll meet Kaepora later when we step outside. I'm sure he's circling the grounds."

"Oh, a lawyer! I didn't know that's what solicitor meant, I always heard about solicitin' down in the Puddles, but that was when... ah, nevermind." Corbett sheepishly scratches his balding pate.

"No worries about me haulin' off, causing trouble, Miss Zevral! I only fight when there's coin to be had, same as back in the fighting pits. No sense givin' away these skills for free." Another gap-toothed grin appears through his bushy moustaches.

"Impressing people is my speciality." Zootloot hops off his chair and takes a bow. "I'm sure we'll find what we need to find."

As Corbett boats about his skills and gives her a gap-toothed grin, Esper smiles back kindly, her golden eyes glittering in amusement.

Turning to the gnome, Esper replies, "I believe you're right. Shall we visit the Majordomo Milana first, to see what she knows about the handmaiden in question?"

”Impressing people? Where is the fun in that?” a dark voice says from the corner.
”I am Savron. I will be your hex, errrr witch on this trip. I can assure you that I will show no mercy.” robe well kept, Savron stands in the corner leaning on the nearest wall.

Esper raises an eyebrow at Savron's pronouncement, and watches him with interest.

The half-orc standing quietly in the back of the room is dressed in simple brown leather armor, axe hanging from one side of his belt and a light hammer from the other, with an assortment of spears and javelins strapped to his backpack. Around his neck is a holy symbol of Erastil.

"I can think of few things I'd like to do less than speak to a Chelish lawyer. I agree, it is best to begin with this Milana first."

"Thing I don't understand about these noblefolk..." says Corbett with a yawn, "... is how they're always sending some represent-tator to speak with another. Seems right to me that if you've business with someone, y'just go straight to the problem, right?"

He looks around the room at his newfound compatriots, then shrugs his shoulders. "Though I suppose us lot aren't quite the type for High Tea in the garden or some parlour games on a lazy afternoon, eh? Let's go talk to the help, shall we?"

Venture-Captain Valsin twirls his moustache with only the slightest appearance of impatience as the Pathfinders acquaint themselves with each other and start discussing their thoughts on slavery, lawyers, nobles and the like.

Well versed in dealing with briefings such as these, he waits for an appropriate gap in the conversation to interject.

"Your plan to visit the Majordomo as a first point of calls seems a sound one, and in case you were wondering, the handmaiden's mistress Lady Silviana herself left for Oppara two days ago. It seems Lady Darchana is trying to avoid turning this into a public debacle by working through intermediaries and not alarming other nobles, and Lady Silviana’s recent departure may even be to ensure her safety and silence on the matter. Of course, that’s an educated guess...and I couldn't tell you whether the slave in question also went with her.”

"Oh, and regardless of your personal opinions on the matter, yes slave ownership is legal in Absalom as you may already know, though not particularly widespread...and so is being a lawyer, although perhaps regrettably somewhat more common." the VC shares barely the hint of a wry smile to accompany his rare attempt at humour.

Re: The Knowledge Local checks:

Feel free to throw in any other burning questions you may still have, but in the meantime I'll start setting the scene for the impending visit to Majordomo Milani.

Also, if you still have any purchases to make in the city, feel free to make them.

As you approach Silviana Dimora's estate, you see it is surrounded by An 8-foot-high fieldstone wall. The grounds are recently tended with thick, soft grass, several well-placed shade trees, and many species of flowering plants. Directly in front of the manor house is a pond with several large lilies and a lion-shaped marble fountain that bubbles gently.

The Lady's household staff entreat the group to relax in a parlor furnished with plush blue couches and chairs. Her majordomo Milana, a stern-looking woman with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, is sent for and shortly arrives. "Welcome to Lady Dimora's estate. I am sorry to inform you that Lady Silviana is not available at this time to take unscheduled meetings. May I invite you to arrange a scheduled meeting sometime in the near future, upon her return?" The Majordomo appears to be unwilling to spare any further time discussing the matter, subtly directing the group back towards the door as she speaks. "Now, if you'll excuse me, unless you wish to make a future appointment, I must be getting back to my duties!"

Lotho glances at Crab. "I like tea." He pauses for a moment, then adds, as if he is somewhat surprised to realize it, "and games."

He sets out with the group toward the estate.

I just realized I didn't actually buy a holy symbol, so I will go ahead and be sure to purchase a holy symbol of Erastil at this time.

Lotho smiles pleasantly at Milani, or at least as pleasantly as a half-orc can. "We are not here to speak to Lady Dimora, ma'am. We are here for information about the handmaiden who was recently used to cause a ruckus at Lady Darchana's dinner party. And you, ma'am, would be the person who actually knows what happens with Lady Dimora's staff, so we are here to speak with you ... If you would be kind enough to spare the time to answer the questions of some Pathfinders." He rests his hand casually on his belt, but it could easily be taken that he is resting it near to the light hammer hanging from his belt.

Diplomacy(untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

”it would be in your best interest to find the time.”Savron states with a blank expression on his face.

Savrons scorpion crawls from underneath his robe and begins to scurry about. All while trying to remain unseen.
Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Lotho glances at Crab. "I like tea." He pauses for a moment, then adds, as if he is somewhat surprised to realize it, "and games."

Esper smirks in amusement. "As do I."

Before the group leaves, Esper announces, "I have some specialized abilities that will allow me to offer minor protections to one of you." she turns to Crab. "You strike me as a man who prefers his fights up close and often. Yes? Might I offer you my magical protection for the coming mission?"

Esper would like to implant a mesmerist trick in Crab. If you refuse let me know and I'll select another target.

If Crab accepts:
Esper turns to him, places her hands upon his shoulders and looks him in the eyes.

"Look deep into my eyes, Corbett... Lose yourself in their depths.... You're in a pool of golden light. Yes? This light will protect you. Let it in..." Esper's eyes are hypnotic, and Corbett feels a gentle, warm feeling of comfort settling over him. "In... in... In!" She suddenly snaps her fingers, and removes her hands from his shoulders. "You have my protection." She announces grandly.

"You're welcome." she adds with a wink.

Esper is implanting a psychosomatic surge trick on Corbett, and using her split trick feat to implant it in herself as well. The next time either Corbett or Esper takes damage, Esper can choose to trigger this trick. Triggering the trick causes whichever of us was hurt to gain 1d8+1 temporary hp for 1 hour (or until discharged). If the damage that triggered this trick would cause that person to be reduced to 0 hp or lower they instead gain 2d8+1 temporary hp. Once this trick is triggered it is no longer implanted in either of them.

---

At the manor, Esper smiles pleasantly and inclines her head to the Majordomo respectfully. "Greetings Majordomo Milana. I am Esper Zevral, of the Pathfinders. We are here at the request of a Lady of Great Import who your Mistress recently had dinner with. You understand the rather embarrassing event of which I speak, yes?" Esper inclines an eyebrow at Milana as she subtly references the dinner party. "We have some questions for you regarding the Handmaiden involved. May we sit and discuss this quietly, or need I remind you of the incident more thoroughly first?" With a wide smile, Esper adds, "We will only take a few moments of your time."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

I'm going to say that an over-the-hill rusty lump of a guy like Corbett would unquestionably accept the attention of a charismatic woman, so he'll accept the surge trick, haha.

Hahaha. Yeah, she usually uses it on herself and the person she thinks is most likely to take a hit first. Corbett wins. I'll be sure to remind you when it triggers.

I'd like to purchase a chain shirt (100gp) and sell my studded leather (12.5gp).

While Esper is talking, Zootloot pokes his head out from behind her and offers a gigantic smile to the majordomo.

Aid Another(Diplomacy): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Dahrani stands in back with his arms crossed, letting those with more tact deal with the Majordomo directly. He really doesn't want to run his mouth about slavery.

The negotiation starts out a little bit shaky as some of the more intimidating members of the group speak up and seem to be only irritating the Majordomo rather than getting in her good books, but then Esper speaks up and Milana seems to warm up to the group a little bit more. "Very well, I suppose I can spare a little bit of time to talk to you all. I do know the event and the handmaiden you speak of...but I'm not sure it's my place to speak while Lady Silviana is absent."

Zootloot's sudden appearance and cheerful demeanour brings a smile to her face, however, and she seems to relax even more, finally relenting and agreeing to share what she knows without waiting for official approval from her mistress.

Milana shakes her head, touching her hand to her forehead. “So..yes, Lady Darchana’s dinner party. What an embarrassment for Lady Silviana. Can you imagine being told that your handmaiden is some sort of… well… spy? Dreadful. The woman’s name is Atlag, and she has been here for almost three weeks! Three weeks! When I think of the private conversations that happened in front of Atlag? It makes me ill, honestly ill.”

Composing herself, Milana continues, “Lady Silviana retains a solicitor, a Chelish gentleman named Solvius Salbus. He works out of an office in the Coins called the Red Letter. He drew up the paperwork for my Lady to complete the transaction on Atlag with a man named...” She wags her pointer finger a few times, shaking her head as she tries to recall the name. “Mahdi Mahjub. No, Mahjub Mahdi! He does his business down in Misery Row, of course. It’s a small shop with several large windows to allow passersby to see into his display parlor from the street. ‘Mahdi’s Chattel: Absalom’s Finest,’ so the sign claims. Honestly, I think every third building in Misery Row claims to be ‘Absalom’s Finest.’ I wonder how many spies like Atlag he’s sold over the years? It’s a dreadful, dreadful business. I am not sure there is anything else I can tell you, but I am sure you understand my Lady’s desire to move on from this embarrassment? Good? Yes? Thank you.”

Lotho, sensing that he is making Milana uncomfortable, moves a distance away from her to another side of the room. His nostrils flare a bit at the word "chattel," but that is the only outward reaction.

Esper smiles serenely at Milana, appearing completely undisturbed by the talk of slavery and purchases thereof. "Thank you, Milana. You've been incredibly helpful. Rest assured that we will look into this unfortunate affair."

Since the woman has already answered all the questions she had, Esper rises and gives her a bow. She turns to leave, but then pauses, draws out a small calling card from her pocket and slips it to Milana. "Pass my card along to your Mistress, if you please. When this matter is settled she may desire the advice and aid of my Mistress. She is a woman of import and has a promising vision for the future."

Esper makes no further comment on the matter, though if Milana looks at the card it depicts a red phoenix made of flames on one side, with contact information for a local intermediary on the other side, with a reputation for both discretion and trustworthiness. It's for the Sovereign Court. Since the noblewoman's not here I can't recruit her or anything, but I'm giving her majordomo the card anyway. Haha.

Once everyone has regrouped outside, Esper looks at the others. "I suggest we visit the solicitor next. I would like to have all the information we can about this slave shop and its proprietor before we go there. It might give us an advantage in our dealings with him," with a knowing glance at her compatriots, she adds, "However those dealings may go down."

Knowledge Local: Mahjub Mahdi and his shop: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Dahrani tries to remain visibly undisturbed, but his voice holds some anger behind it.

"I agree. I think speaking to the solicitor may fill any gaps of information we may not be aware of, and I rather be fully prepared to confront Mahdi than show up and let some slaver weasel his way out of trouble."

"Esper, you seem to have a good gift of words. Perhaps it's best if we let you lead the discussion with the solicitor."

Dahrani gives a small smile before continuing.

"However, if the slaver requires a different tactic, I think there's a few of us willing to put some fear into his heart."

Lotho makes a step to follow Esper, but then stops and turns slowly back toward Milana. "Ma'am, perhaps before we go to talk with others, we might have a word with Atlag herself. It may be that Atlag has some information that has been overlooked, which will keep us from following useless leads, and delaying the speedy resolution to the situation that your Lady desires. Would Atlag be available for some questioning?"

Dahrani gives a small smile before continuing.

"However, if the slaver requires a different tactic, I think there's a few of us willing to put some fear into his heart."

Corbett smirks and nods in agreement as he attempts to crack his swollen knuckles. When no popping sound of relief comes, he simply cascades his fingers then shakes the meaty paw out.

Zootloot whispers over to Esper. "I agree with the big green guy. We should try to talk to Atlag before we go." He raises his eyebrows in Corbett's direction and feels glad to not be on the receiving end of those fists.

Savron cracks a smile when Dahrani mentions putting fear into someone.
”There are always ways to make someone talk, whether they want to or not. “

Savron looks at Corbett. ”Perhaps if you used your head more then your fists then your hands would not look like clubs. To each his own. I guess.”

After a few moments Savron chimes in again. ”Are we waiting for something or can we go? There are people out there that need to suffer. I must oblige them.”

Since the woman has already answered all the questions she had, Esper rises and gives her a bow. She turns to leave, but then pauses, draws out a small calling card from her pocket and slips it to Milana. "Pass my card along to your Mistress, if you please. When this matter is settled she may desire the advice and aid of my Mistress. She is a woman of import and has a promising vision for the future."

Esper makes no further comment on the matter, though if Milana looks at the card it depicts a red phoenix made of flames on one side, with contact information for a local intermediary on the other side, with a reputation for both discretion and trustworthiness. It's for the Sovereign Court. Since the noblewoman's not here I can't recruit her or anything, but I'm giving her majordomo the card anyway. Haha.

Milana seems to consider the card and Esper for a moment, as if contemplating whether to mention something or not.

If you can give me one more strong Diplomacy, Bluff or Kn.Nobility check here, this may actually be worth your while.

At the request to speak to Atlag, the Majordomo frowns a little but then simply shrugs. "Well, I'm not sure that would be such a good idea, but I guess a couple of quick questions couldn't really hurt. Very well, I'll have her fetched."

In a few moments, the slave in question appears, and tells the group all that she knows.

"I've only recently become a handmaiden. I had bad luck with an investment and needed the money to pay off my debs. I'm terribly ashamed about my current circumstances, but believe me I'm completely innocent of all these accusations about me being a spy." The young girl is almost in tears as she recounts her tale of woe. "I was sold in Katapesh before being brought here to Absalom. I'm afraid that there's little else I can tell you!"

Apart from that little bit of Sovereign Court business that can be retconned in, you've learnt all you can here, so I'll move us along to the solicitor's office in the meantime.

Salbus's office, as the group had already discovered, is located on the ground floor of a recently rebuilt twostory building that houses several different professional offices and merchants. A small plaque with an Asmodean pentacle and an inscription reading “Red Letter—Solicitor Salbus” hangs outside.

As the office door opens, a small bell chimes overhead. Inside, the cramped space holds a meticulously organized bookshelf and a rosewood desk. Seated at the desk, a middle-aged Chelish man with short red hair and a widow’s peak peers intently at a sheaf of legal documents as he carefully copies out key clauses, then acknowledges his visitors. He looks up from his work with a slight smirk on his thin lips and introduces himself. “Solicitor Solvius Salbus. What brings you across my threshold this glorious day? Though I must warn you, given my current workload, accepting new clients may not be possible at this time.”

Lotho enters the room and stays back, studying the man intently, arms folded in front of him.

Diplomacy on Milana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

---

@ Lotho: Good catch! For some reason I thought she had been sent away or something. No idea why I thought that. Haha.

EDIT: Crossing out the below information since her comment was altered:
Esper raises an eyebrow at Atlag. "You've never met 'Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri' in your life? Then why mention her? Who is she? Is that who placed the scrying sensor on you?"

Sense Motive on Atlag: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Knowledge Local (Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

---

As she meets the solicitor, Esper inclines her head respectfully. "Greetings Mister Salbus. I am Esper Zevral, of the Pathfinders. We are here to speak of the unfortunate incident involving Lady Silvania and a certain handmaiden. I trust you know of what I speak?" She smiles kindly, and sits down in an open seat. "I have a few questions about the transaction you brokered between Lady Silvania and Mahjub Mahdi of 'Mahdi's Chattel.' "

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Unfortunately, that Diplomacy roll isn't enough to beat the DC to get the extra bit of Sovereign Court related info, but there will still be another chance to progress faction missions later on.

Oh, and disregard the Pasha comment, that was just the GM badly editing text from the scenario notes.

Content that the handmaiden has shared all that she knows, the group find themselves confronting the solicitor as their next point of call.

Lotho, standing back in the room, does indeed detect an aura of evil within the office.

Salbus looks up from his large pile of papers. "Hmm, so you're not even paying clients? Listen, I'm preparing a rather complext contract at the moment and I've got this whole pile of obscure legal precedents to get through today so that I can get the wording just right. I've really got no time to spare for idle questions. Another day, perhaps? I might have a spare half an hour next Tuesday?"

Still time for an aid or two to help change his mind.

Diplomacy, Aid Another: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (18) - 3 = 15
"Look now, good sir - we're investigators, and we're... investigating... something very important." The big man darts his eyes to the more socially inclined, hoping to get bailed out from having to speak. "We know you're tied to this Mahdi fellow through your dealings, so we just want to ensure that everything was on the up-and-up, is all."

I am focusing specifically on him, not doing a general area scan. This means that for just a move action, I get a result as if I'd scanned for 3 rounds. What intensity of evil? Are we talking just a guy who works in a morally corrupt field, or something I would recognize as more troubling?

Lotho smiles. "Come now, sir, a bit of unpaid consultation for the Pathfinder Society can certainly be worth your time. It pays to have us in your debt, after all."

Diplomacy, Aid Another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Leaning casually against the wall next to Lotho, Zootloot begins to idly strum his guitar string. "We really are a bunch of nice people," he says while playing quietly.

Aid another(diplomacy): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 No magic in the playing, just for color

Seeing the solicitor being difficult to work with, Dahrani speaks up from the back.

"We understand you are a busy man, sir. However, the sooner you assist us in our investigation, the sooner we can leave you to your work."

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 ⇒ 15

Lotho's detect evil indicates to him a very faint aura, definitely more along the lines of a morally corrupt person than anything more overtly sinister.

Grimacing slightly, the Chelaxian spreads his hands to admit defeat under the combined weight of the group's persuasive appeals. “Fine! Fine, I'll talk, just let me get a word in!" Once the group stop their requests, he continues. "Ordinarily I would not speak of privately executed contracts with an unaffiliated third party,” Solvius says before patting a folded paper on his desk. “However Lady Silviana had a letter delivered to me prior to her departure for Taldor, authorizing me to disclose to the deputized agents of Lady Darchana the identity of the chattel merchant. Mahjub Mahdi is the purveyor in question and can be found at the northern end of Misery Row. His private shop is called Mahdi’s Chattel. It’s a step up from the Slave Pits to be sure—a much more orderly experience, a very fine display parlor with excellent lighting, and he always keeps excellent wines on hand. I trust you will treat him with the respect that he deserves.”

”See! That wasn’t so difficult now was it? Really do hate asking twice. Well group, to this shop!”. Savron says impatiently.

Corbett gets up to leave, sneering at the lawyer. "I'm sure all that opulence drowns out the despair of the business that takes place there."

Lotho asks, "Who selected Atlag to enter the service for Lady Silviana? Did you choose her from this shop, or did Mahdi pick her for your order?"

Esper smiles at the man. "Thank you for your time, Sir. Tell me, what do you know about Mahjub Mahdi? What sort of personality has he? Smooth-talker or hard-bargainer? Does he have any vices that someone could have leveraged against him? Debts or bad habits, perhaps?"

Solvius answers the last couple of questions impatiently as the group start to exit his offices. "Who picked the slave? Certainly not me! I just drew up the contract. I don't deal directly with the merchandise, I'm afraid. Mahdi? From what I've heard he's a confident, outgoing sort of a fellow. Successful at his job, as far as I can tell. I wouldn't know about his personal habits, though. None of my business, really. Is that all?" the solicitor takes another sheaf of paper off the large pile and waves the group off as he gets back to his work.

The group head off to find the slaver...

Misery Row is an enormous, elevated platform that runs along the eastern edge of the Coins district, and serves as the main destination to buy and sell slaves in Absalom. The cages are set into the platform such that slavers and prospective buyers can walk over the pits to inspect the merchandise easily. Mahdi’s Chattel is located along the platform, where his many-windowed storefront can catch the eye of discerning buyers. The massive wooden platform is well worn by foot traffic, and is active all hours of the day and night. The Token Guard, the guards responsible for patrolling this part of the city, patrol the area, intervening in only the most egregious crimes.

A hanging sign identifies the single-story building with large, full-length windows as “Mahdi’s Chattel—Absalom’s Finest.” Heavy curtains are drawn over all of the windows—one of which has been smashed—and a small painted sign that reads “Closed” hangs over the latch of the door. The door is not completely closed and shows signs of scratches and damage to the wood around the latch.

Map link is in my status line. If anyone has problems accessing or moving their tokens, please let me know.